Apparatus for sizing yarn



June 4, 1957 1. GRlFFlN 9 APPARATUS FOR SIZING YARN 4 Sheets-Sneet 1 Filed Jan. 3, 1955 a I 4 g- H 14 85 0 Jll 2 75 I f 35 7 73); 72 74 IRA L. GmFFm,

INVENTOR.

\ ATTORNEYS.

June 4, 1957 1. L. GRIFFIN 2,794,236

APPARATUS FOR SIZING YARN Filed Jan. 3, 1955 4 Sheets-Sneet 2 46 36, 82 C) 35 8' Y 83 I3 17 IRA LGRIFFIM "9 4,3 64 INVENTOR- )8 10 BY W lm ATTORNEYS.

June 4, 1957 1. GRIFFIN 2,794,236

APPARATUS FOR SIZING YARN Filed Jan. 3, 1955 4 Shets-Sneei 3 H2 I05 No we HI IRA L G IF INVENTOR.

.FG AZQAMM ATTORNEYS.

June 4, 1957 1. GRIFFIN 2,794,236

APPARATUS FOR SIZING YARN Filed Jan. 3, 1955 4 Sheets-Shem 4 COMPRESSION TANK g a fl m' 1 IRA L. GRIFFIN," I INVENTOR. .2 .Z 9 "C8 #4 BY WA M.

ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent 2,794,236 APPARATUS FOR SIZING YARN Ira L. Griffin, Charlotte, N. C. Application January 3, 1955, Serial No. 479,452

22 Claims, (Cl. 28-28 This invention relates to the sizing of yarn and, more" especially, to an improved apparatus and method for applying sizing solution to the yarn as it is passed through the size box of a slasher. v p

This invention is a continuation-in-part of my copending application entitled Apparatus for Sizing Yarn Ser-ial No. 287,349, filed May 12, 1952, now Patent No. 2,698,984.

It is well known that, in a high speed sizing operation, a great amount of pressure is required on the squeeze rolls and on a stripper roll or regulating roll engaging the lower squeeze roll to squeeze the excess size from the yarns as they travel therebetween at relatively high speeds. Thus, when it becomes necessary to operate the size box and slasher at a reduced rate of speed, for a relatively short period of time, the great pressure on the squeeze rolls causes a substantially greater than normal amount of size to be squeezed from the yarn passing therethrough, thus producing a sized yarn with a relatively low'percentage of size applied to the corresponding portion thereof and resulting in thick and thin places in the yarn. These thick and thin places in the yarn cause the yarn to run faulty through subsequent mill operations, such as weaving.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide means for automatically releasing the pressure of either the upper squeeze roll or the stripper roll, or both, upon the speed of the yarn passing therebetween being reduced from a normal high speed of, say, seventy-five yards per minute, to a creep speed, which is usually ten yards per minute.

It might be stated that the creep speed is. used when there is a noticeable defect in the yarn in the creel, such as a broken end of yarn, a lap on one of the beamsxin the creel, a lap in the size box, or some of the yarnsrbreak and pass out of the lease at the front end'of the creel.

It is another object of this invention to providea size box having a lower squeeze roll contacted by an upper squeeze roll and a stripper or size regulating roll. 'The yarn passes through said size box, passing between the stripper roll and lower squeeze roll as well as between the upper squeeze roll and lower squeeze roll, and automatically operable means are provided for applying'pressure to the upper squeeze roll and stripper or size regulating roll upon the yarn traveling through the size box at a normal high speed. means are also effective to reduce the squeeze pressure between the upper squeeze roll and the lower squeeze roll or between the stripper or size regulating roll and the lower squeeze roll upon the speed of travel of the yarn passing through the size box being reduced to a predetermined minimum or creep speed.

It is still another object of this invention to provide improved means for controlling the pressure on the rolls of a size box of the character described comprising a manual selector switch with four optional positions thereon, one position for automatically reducing the pressure applied by the upper squeeze roll upon the speed of the yarn passing through the size box being reduced to creep speed; another position for automatically reducing the pressure of the stripper or size regulating roll against the lower squeeze roll upon the speed of the yarn passing sure by either the upper squeeze roll or squeeze roll to normal .still another position permitting manual control of the pressure exerted by the upper squeeze roll and/or the size regulating roll regardless of the speed of the yarn.

Of course, when pressure exerted by either the upper squeeze roll or the size regulating roll is automatic the pressure exerted by the other roll may be manually controlled.

It is means for automatically still another object of this invention to provide delaying the application of presthe size regulating roll, or both, as the case may be, against the lower squeeze'roll, when changing from creep speed to high speed, or upon initially starting the driven rolls of the size box, 'to allow time for acceleration of the lower high speed before relatively heavy pressure is applied to the upper squeeze roll and/or the size regulating roll.

boxassembly comprising a Said automatically operable It is another object ofthis invention to provide man- I ually operable selector means for raising the upper squeeze roll or rolls out of engagement with the corresponding lower squeeze roll or rolls, when desired.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of a size box withparts of 'the improved apparatus associated therewith;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary end elevation of one side portion of the size box looking at the left-hand side'of Fig ure 1; a

Figure 3 is a plan view of the size box shown in Figure 1 with the central portion thereof broken away;

Figure 4 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical sectional view. through the size box taken substantially along the line 4-4 inFigure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view through one side portion of the size box taken substantially along the line'55 in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration showing the electrical circuit for controlling the valves which controlthe 'flow of fluid pressure to the upper squeeze roll and'the rthe pressure-controlling rams;

Figure 8 is a detail of one of the electrically operated valves shown in Figures 6 and 7. v

Referring more specifically to the drawings, in Figures 1 through 5, there is shown :a single entry type of size frame, broadly designated at 10, including side frame members 11 and 12 which are spanned by upper transverse frame members 13 and 14 and lower transverse frame members 15 and 16, all of which-are suitably secured at opposite ends thereof to the side' frame members 11 and 12. The transverse frame members 13 and 14 support a size box broadly designated at 17, which size box is jacketed as at 18, in a -conventional manner, and has insulation material 19 t therein for minimizing radiation of heat (Figure 4).

The size box 17 has side walls at opposite sides thereof a bearingstand 21 (Figures 1, 3rand 4) suitably secured to the upper surface thereof, at thercar of the machine,

and in which opposite ends of a pivot shaft 22 are jour- -naled. 'A pair of pivot arms or brackets 23 are fixedly secured to the pivot shaft 22 and extend forwardly and under pressure, each bracket 23 17and has an outwardly end of each of the shafts 1 walls of the size box 17 are spaced inwardly of the side frame members 11 and 12 and opposite ends of the shaft h 36. are journaled in bearing blocks 40 (Figures 1 and 3) suitably secured to the side frame members 11 and 12. One' end of the shaft 36, in Figure 3, has a pulley 42 fixed thereon which is engaged by a belt 43 driven by a two-speed motor 45 shown schematically in Figures 3 and 6. The two-speed motor 45 is adapted to rotate the a lower squeeze what a high speed during normal operation and at a slow speed when any correction is to be made to the yarn.

In order to cause the upper squeeze roll 30 to bear against the upper surface of the lower squeeze roll 35 tension rod 46 pivotally connected thereto (Figures 1 and Each tension rod 46 extends downwardly and penetrates the upper side of a cylinder or diaphragm mechanism. generally designated at 50 (Figures 1 and 7). The diaphragm mechanisms 50 each has a housing having a diaphragm therein to which the lower ends of the tension rods 46 are fixedly secured. The internal structure of the diaphragm mechanisms is not shown in the present drawings, but is clearly shown and described in my co-pending application Serial No. 287,349, now U. S. Patent No.

2,698,984. The diaphragm mechanisms 50 each has upper and lower pipes for directing compressed air to the 7 upper or lower sides of the diaphragms associated with the diaphragm mechanisms 50, in a manner to be later described. Each of the cylinders or diaphragm mechanisms 50 is supported by brackets 53 pivotally secured to the side frame members 11 and 12 (Figure 1). The diaphragm mechanisms 50 may be termed as ram assemblies and the tension rods 46 may be termed as rams or piston rods.

Also, disposed within the size box 17 forwardly of the lower squeeze roll 35, is an immersion roll 57 which is preferably tubular and has head members in each end thereof which are rotatably mounted at opposite ends thereof in brackets 60, only one of which is shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The immersion roll 57 is partially immersed in a liquid sizing solution, the upper level of which is indicated by the dotted line 61 in Figure 4. The brackets 60 are disposed inwardly of and immediately adjacent the side walls of the size box 17 and it will be observed in Figure that the upper end of each bracket 60 is disposed above the level of the upper edges of the side walls of the size box projecting portion 67 integral therewith. The upper end of a vertical bar 63 (Figure 5) is fixed to the outer end of each projection 67 and each bar 63 has a rack 64 suitably secured thereto which meshes with a corresponding pinion 65. The bar 63 and rack 64 are mounted for sliding vertical movement in a guide block 62, one fixed to each side frame member 11 and'12. Each pinion 65 is fixed on a shaft 66 (Figures 1 and 5 journaled adjacent opposite sides of the-corresponding pinion 65 in bearing blocks 68.

The shafts 66 extend rearwardly and their medial por-.

tions penetrate the front flanges of the corresponding side frame members 11 and 12 and are rotatably mounted in bearings 70 fixed thereto (Figures 1, 2 and 4). The front 66 has a worm gear 71 fixed thereto which meshes with a worm 72, the worms 72 being fixed on a common transverse shaft 73. The transverse shaft 73 is rotatably mounted in outwardly prohas the upper end of a jecting bearing blocks 74 which may be integral with the bearing blocks 70.

Opposite ends of the transverse shaft 73 have suitable hand wheels 75 fixed thereon for manipulation by an operator for vertically adjusting the brackets 60 and the immersion roll 57.

The outwardly extending portions 67 of the brackets 60 each has a rearwardly extending bracket 76 (Figures 3 and 4) fixed thereto, which brackets 76 pivotally support a pair of arms 77 the upper ends of which are pivotally secured to the blocks 76, as at 78. The arms 77 rotatably support the opposed reduced ends of a stripper or size regulating roll 81 which is preferably tubular and has a tubular covering 82 of rubber or other similar material (Figure 4).

The arms 77 are each provided with a forward flat surface which is,'at times, engaged by the free end of a piston rod or ram 83 for pressing the stripper roll, 81

. against the lower squeeze roll 35 under predetermined pressure. The piston rods 83 are connected to the usual diaphragms or pistons of air cylinders 85 (Figures 4 and 6) which have pipes, to be later described, connected thereto for, at times, applying pressure to the stripper roll 81, in a manner to be later described.

The outer ends of the projections 67 on the brackets have respective guide roll supporting brackets 90 (Figures 3 and 5) fixedly secured thereto which rotatably support the reduced opposite ends of a guide roller 91 over which the sheet of yarn Y passes in its course to the immersion rolls 57.

As the sheet of yarn Y enters the size box 10 it passes over a pair of spaced parallel feed rolls 92 and 93, preferably reduced and are 94 and 95 fixedly mounted on the side frame members 11 and 12. A suitable tension rod or dancing rod 96 rests upon the sheet of yarnY between rolls 92 and 93 for taking up the slack in the yarn, which may develop when the speed is reduced, and holds the yarn Y in contact with the rollers 92 and 93. The dancing rod 96 is guided at opposite ends in vertically arranged guides 97 fixedly secured to the side frame members 11 and 12.

As heretofore stated, the sheet of yarn Y, after leaving the feed rollers 92 and 93, passes over the guide roller 91 and then downwardly beneath the immersion roll. Thereafter, the sheet Y passes upwardly between the stripper or size regulator roll 81 and the lower squeeze roll 35 and then between the lower and upper squeeze rolls 30, 35, and after which the sheet of yarn Y passes out of the size box to a suitable drying mechanism of a slasher, such as an air drying chamber or heated drum, for drying the yarn in sheet form.

- The liquid size in the size box 17 is usually heated by a coiled steam pipe in the size box 17 which is thermostatically controlled to provide even heat of the size solution.-- A conventional type of liquid level means may alsobe used for maintaining the liquid size in the size box 17 at the desired level 61. Since the liquid level control and heating means are conventional and well known in the art, and may be of types clearly shown in my said copending application Serial No. 287,349, new

- Patent No. 2,698,984, a showing cuits, respectively,

and further description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

V ELECTRICAL AND FLUID PRESSURE CIRCUITS upper squeeze roll 30 and the stripper roll 81 simultaneously at a predetermined time after rotation is initially applied mined time following relatively slow rotation of the lower squeeze roll 35 --squeeze roll 35 sired and, therefore, 'the corresponding ends of the conduits or pipes con- "shaped in Figure 8, it

to the lower squeeze roll 35" or ata predeterat creep speed during which the lower accelerates to relatively high or normal speed. Many of the parts shown schematically in Figures 6 and 7 are not shown inFigures 1-5, inclusive, because they may be disposed remotely from the size box if deonly the ram assemblies 50, 85 and nected thereto are shown in Figures 1-5, inclusive.

The electrical circuit shown in Figure 6 is merely an embodiment of one way in which the circuit may be arranged and it is tobe distinctly understood that the various electrical components shown therein may be supplemented by others and the circuit may be arranged in many different ways to produce the desired results without departing from the spirit of the invention. This is also true of the fluid pressure circuit shown in Figure 7. The fluid pressure circuit in Figure 7 is shown as a compressed air circuit although it is to be understood that a hydraulic circuit may be'employed with required modifications made therein to accommodate the hydraulic circuit, also without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

Referring to Figure 7, it will be observed that the upper portions of the cylinders, diaphragm assemblies or rain assemblies 50 have opposite ends of a conduit or pipe 101 connected thereto and the lower portions of the ram assemblies 50 have opposite ends of a pipe or conduit 102 connected thereto. Suitable manually operable pressure regulating valves 103, 104 are interposed inthe respective conduits 101, 102 adjacent each of the'diaphragm assemblies or ram assemblies 50. Corresponding ends of conduits or pipes 105, 106 are communicatively connected to the medial portions of the respective conduits 101, 102 and the other ends of the conduits 105, 106 are connected to corresponding sides of respective normally closed electrically operated or solenoid operated valves 107, 107a. The other sides of the valves 107, 107a have corresponding ends of respective conduits or pipes 110, 111 connected thereto whose other ends are connected to a pipe or conduit 112 leading from a suitable source of compressed air or fluid pressure, shown schematically as a compression tank indicated at 113 in Figure 7.

The conduit 110 has a suitable manually operable pressure regulating valve 114 interposed therein and a suitable manually operable pressure regulating valve 116 is interposed in the conduit 112 between the compression tank 113 and the conduit 111. The end of conduit 112 remote from the compression tank 113 is connected to one side of an electrically operated or solenoid operated valve 107b to the other side of which one end of a pipe or conduit 117 is connected. The other end of conduit 117 is connected to the medial portion of a pipe or conduit 120 whose opposite ends are connected to the ram assemblies 85. interposed in the conduit 120 adjacent each of the ram assemblies 85 in Figure 7 is a manually operable pressure regulating valve 121.

Each of the electrically operated or solenoid valves 107, 107a, 107b, may be of any desired or conventional constructional construction and may be identical. By way of illustration, the valve 107 is shown more in detail in Figure 8 wherein it will be observed that the housing of the valve 107 has a movable member or core 125 therein which is provided with a pair of transverse passageways 126, 127 therein. One end of a solenoid plunger 130 is connected to the movable member 125 and issurrounded by a solenoid coil 131 to opposite ends of which corresponding ends of wires or electrical conductors 132, 133 are connected.

The housing of valve 107 has a pair of passageways 134,

' 135 on one sidethereof and a single passageway 136 on the other side thereof and, since the passageway 136 in the movable member 125 is irregularly shaped or V- is apparent that when the valve member 125 is in the closed positionshown in Figure 8,

ram assembliesi'50, the corresponding end of conduit beingcommunicatively connected to the port 136 in the housing of the valve 107. The port 135 in the housing of valve 107 remains open and the conduit is communicatively connected with the port 134. It is thus seen that, when the core of thevalve 107 occupies the position shown in Figure 8, the pressure is released from the conduit 105 and when the core 125 is 'moved upwardly so that the passageway 127 is alined with the ports 134, 136, compressed air is then admitted to the pipe or conduit 105 from the conduit 110. A suitable spring 128 may be provided for returning core 125 to closed position upon de-energization of coil 131.

The wires or conductors extending from the solenoid operated valves 107a, 107b, which correspond to the conductors 132, 133 extending from the solenoid operated valve 107 are respectively designated at 132a, 1334- and 132b, 133b, The elements to which the wires or conductors extending from the solenoid valves 107, 107a, '107b are connected will be later described. g I

Referring to Figure 6, a three phase or three wire circuit is shown including lead wires or lead conductors 140, 141, 142, corresponding ends of which are adapted to be connected to a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown. The conductors 140, 141, 142 extend into a magnetically operated or solenoid operated relay broadly designated at 143, which will hereinafter be termed as a high speed relay, Since it controls the high speed circuit for the electric motor 45. Another magnetically operated or solenoid operated relay 144 is provided which will be hereinafter termed as a slow speed or creep speed relay, since it controls the slow speed or creep speed circuit of the electric motor 45.

The high speed relay 143 includes a plurality of normally open switches 1 to 7, inclusive, all of which are moved to closed position, upon energization of a coil 145. The slow speed relay 144 also includes a plurality of normally open switches e, f, g, n which are adapted to be moved to closed position upon energization of a coil 146.

The circuit in Figure 6 also includes a manually operable rotary selector switch broadly designated at 147, a manually operated three-position upper-squeeze-rollcontrolling switch broadly designated at 150, a manually operable two-position stripper-roll-controlling switch 151, a time-delay-relay broadly designated at 152, and a master push-button switch unit or box broadly designated at 153. Also, a step-down variable transformer T is used for reducing the voltage in the circuit to the motor 45 when the circuit is completed through creep speed relay 144. The transformer T is shown herein merely to simplify the circuit for purposes of disclosure, since it is apparent that separate windings may be provided in the motor 45 for effecting the desired high and slow speeds thereof.

The rotary selector switch 147 comprises a series of three wiper elements 154, 155, 156 which are fixed ona common manually rotatable shaft 157. A set of four circularly arranged contacts a, b, c and d is provided for each of the wiper elements 154, 155, 156 and in engagement with which the corresponding wiper elements 15 4, 155, 156 are selectively moved, in unison, by manual rotation of the shaft 157. Bus bars 160, 161, 162 are connected to the respective wiper-elements 154, 155, 156 at the pivot points thereof and the outer ends of these bus bars have respective wires or conductors 163, 164, 165 connected thereto.

The ends of conductors 164, 165 remote from bus bars 161, 162 are connected to the medial portion of a wire or conductor 166 leading from positive lead wire or conductor 140. The contacts a, b for wiper element 154 have corresponding ends of respective wires or conductors 167, 168 connected thereto, the other end of conductor 168 being connected to conductor 167 and the other end of conductor 167 being connected 156- have corresponding ends of ductors 180, 182 connected thereto.

. 107b. The conductor to a stationary contact, L3 of the manually operable I squeeze-roll-controlling switch 150. This switch 150 also has contacts L2, L4 thereon which are adapted to be selectively engaged by a wiper element 170 pivotally connected to a bus bar'171 to which one end of a conductor or wire 172 is connected. The other end of conductor 172 is connected to the positive lead wire 140.

It will be noted that the conductor 133a leading from the solenoid operated valve 107a is. connected to the contact L4 and'the conductors 132, 132a, 132b are connected to the neutral or negative lead wire 141. The

p contact L2 has no conductors connected thereto, the switch 150 merely being in off position when the wiper element 170 is inengagement with contact L2.

Referring again to the rotary selector switch 147, the 155 have corresponding ends of respective wires or conductors 175, 176, 177 conand d for wiper element respective wires or con- It will be noted that the opposite ends of a conductor 181 are connected to the contacts c, d for wiper element 156. The ends of I conductors 175, 176 remote from i switch 147 are connected intermediate the ends of the the rotary selector respective wires or conductors 177, 180 and the end of conductor 177 remote from rotary selector switch 147 is connected to one side of the manually operable stripperroll-controlswitch 151. The other side of switch 151 has a wire or conductor 183 connected thereto whose other end is connected to conductor 13312 extending from valve 166 extends from lead conductor 140 into the master switch box 153.

The master switch box 153 has a series of push-button switches therein including a high speed push-button switch 184, a slow speed or creep speed push-button switch 185 and a stop push-button switch 186 all of which are spring urged in the usual manner to normally occupy the positions shown in the lower left-hand portion of Figure 6.

The switches 184, 185, 186 have respective pairs of bus bars or switch bars h to m, inclusive, thereon. Bus bar i normally establishes contact between the conductor 166 and a wire or conductor C2. 185 is depressed, the bus oar k establishes contact between the conductor C2 and a wire or conductor 187 whose other end is connected to the medial portion of a wire or conductor 189.

The bus bar it of the high speed push-button switch 184 normally maintains contact between a conductor or wire 190 and one end of a conductor or wire C3. The other end of conductor C3 is connected to one side of the normally closed stop switch 136 at bus bar I, to the other side of which the corresponding end of the conductor 189 When the slow speed switch is connected. It will be noted that, when the switches 185, 186 occupy the positions shown in Figure 6, they normally establish contact between opposite ends of a wire or conductor C4 and respective wires or conductors 191, 192, through the medium of the respective bus bars When the high speed switch 184 is depressed, this 7 breaks the circuit between conductors 190, C3 and between conductors 166, C2

- the latter contacts has a conductor 195 leading therefrom to the conductor 166.

It will be noted that the ends of conductors 190, 189

remote from the respective switches 184, 186 in box 153 are connected to one side of the switch bar g and one end of the coil 146, respectively, in the relay 144. The other side of the switch g has a wire or conductor 196 leading therefrom to wire 166 and the other end of the coil' 146 has a wire or conductor 197 leading therefrom to the medial portion of a wire or conductor 200, errconductor 203 connected thereto.

tending from the negative or neutral lead wire 141 to one end of the primary winding of transformer T. The other end of said primary winding has a conductor or wire 200a leading therefrom to lead wire 140. 2 Wires or conductors 204, 204a lead from opposite ends of the secondary winding of transformer T to corresponding sides of switches e, f in the relay 144. The other sides of the switches e, 7 have respective wires or conductors 202, 201 leading therefrom to the electric motor 45.

The electric motor 45 also has one 'end of a wire or Corresponding ends of wires or conductors 205, 206 are connected to the respective conductors 201, 202 and it will be noted that the other ends of the conductors 203, 205, 206 are connected to corresponding sides of the switches 1, 2 and 3 in the high speed relay 143. The other sides of the switches 1, 2 and 3 have the respective lead wires 142, 141, connected thereto Theconductor 191 and a conductor or wire 207 areconnected to opposite sides of switch 4 in the high speed relay 143.

Wires or conductors 203a, 2031) extend from opposite sides of switch nto the respective wires 203, 142. The ends of conductors 133b, 133 remote from the respective solenoid operated Valves 107b, 107 are connected to corresponding sides of switches 6, 7 in the high speed relay 143 and the other sides of these switches have respective wires or conductors 210, 211 leading therefrom to the time-delay-relay 152.

The time-delay-relay mechanism 152 may be of any desired or conventional construction such as the type manufactured by The R. W. Cramer Company, Inc. of Miller Street, Centerbrook, Connecticut, manufactured under their model No. TF-2. Since such time-delayrelay mechanisms are well known in the art, a detailed illustration and description thereof is deemed unnecessary. In this instance, the time-delay-relay mechanism comprises an electrically operated time controlling element 212 which, when dc-energized, normally maintains a pair of switches S2, S3 in open position.

The time element 212 has corresponding ends of wires or conductors 213, 214 connected thereto whose other ends are respectively connected to the conductor 166 and one side of the switch 5 in the high speed relay 143. The other side of switch 5 has a wire or conductor 215 leading therefrom to the conductor 200. The time-delay-relay mechanism 152 is of a type that will remain open for a predetermined period of time after the time element 212 is energized and whereupon the switches S2, S3 then establish contact between the respective pairs of conductors 180, 210 and 182, 211.

Referring again to the push-button switch box 153 in the lower left-hand portion of Figure 6, the conductor 192 leads therefrom to one end of the coil of the high speed relay 143 and the other end of said coil 145 has a conductor 216 leading therefrom to the neutral or negative lead wire 141. This completes the description of the electrical and fluid pressure circuits of the size box.

METHOD OF OPERATION The various operating characteristics of the improved apparatus are primarily determined by the positions of the wiper elements 154, 155, 156 of the rotary selector switch 147 and, accordingly, when the wiper elements 154, 155, 156 are in engagement with the corresponding contacts a this will be termed as position a and when these wiper elements are in engagement with the corresponding contacts [7, this will be termed as position b, etc. When the rotary selector switch 147 occupies the position a, the upper squeeze roll 30 and the stripper or size regulating roll 81 are each manually controlled regardless of whether the motor 45 is running and regardless of whether the motor 45 is running at either slow speed or high speed.

,tion (in. engagement with ,.erings on-the upper squeeze roll 30 gravity. When- :ment170 of switch 150 is and through conductors 195 maintained energized until either 9 ROTARY SWITCH IN POSITION a It is apparent that, when the switch 151 is open-and the wiperielement 170 of the switch 150 is in oil posicontact L2)-andthe rotary selector switch 147- occupies position a, the resilient covand the stripper squeeze roll 35, by to raisethe upper roll 35 for roll' 81 'rnerely rest against the lower the operator-desires squeeze roll 30 relative to the lower squeeze any reason, such as for threading the sheet of yarn Y between the upper and lower squeeze rolls, the wiper elemoved into engagement with contact L4 to open the solenoid operated valve 107a. Since solenoid operated valve 107 is then closed or open 'to the atmosphere, it is apparent, by referring to Figure 7,

that compressed air is then directed to the lower sides of-the diaphragm assemblies or ram assemblies 50 to switch 4 and conductor thereby move the piston rods or rams 46 upwardly and I to raisethe covering 31 on the upper squeeze roll out of engagement with the lower squeeze roll 35.

When the wiper element 170 is moved into engagement withthe contact'L3, the solenoid operated valve 107a is de-energized as solenoid operated valve 107 is energized. "To this end, current'flows from theneutral lead wire 141, through conductor 132, through the coil of solenoid operated valve 107, through conductors 133, 163, through bus bar 160, wiper element 154, conductor 167, switch 150 and through conductor 172 to the positive lead wire 140.

Of course,-when the wiper element 170 is moved out of engagement with contact L3, the solenoid operated valve 107 is again closed to release the downward pressure on the upper squeeze roll 30.

With the rotary selector switch 157 in position a, upon closing the manually operable switch 151, the stripper roll-controlling solenoid operated valve 10712 is closed, since current flows from neutral or negative lead wire 141, through conductor 132b, through the coil of solenoid operated valve 107b, through conductors133b,-183, switch 151, conductors 177, 175, through the wiper element 155 and bus bar 161 of the rotary selector switch 147 and through conductors 164, 166 to the positive lead wire 140. It should be noted that, when the rotary the valves 107,107a, 107b by-passes the relays 144, 145,

- 152 and the push-button switch unit 153.

ROTARY SWITCH IN POSITION b When the rotary selector switch 147 occupies position "b the upper squeeze roll 30 is manually controlled and the stripper roll or size regulating roll 81 is automatically controlledso that it is maintained under pressure during normal high speed rotation of the electric motor 45. Assuming that the rotary selector switch is in position b, it will be noted that the conductor 168 permits manual operation of the upper squeeze roll 30 in the manner heretofore described. Initially, it shall be assume-d that the high speed push-button switch 134 is depressed, whereupon the coil 145 of the high speed relay 143 is energized, since current flows from the neutral or negative lead wire 141, through conductor 216, coil 145, of the high speed relay 143, through conductors 192, 193, bus bar i of push-button switch 184, conductor C5, bus bar k and 166 to the positive lea-d wire or conductor 140.

Thus, the coil 145 is energized to close all the switches 1 to 7, inclusive. However, since the push-button switch 184 is only depressed momentarily, it is apparent that bus ,bar i is subsequently moved to open position with respect to the conductors 193, C5. The coil 145 is then the slow speed pushbutton switch 185 or the stop switch 186 is depressed, since current then flows from the neutral or negative lead hold operated valve 107 b.

wire 141, through conductor 216, coil 145, conductor 192, bus bar m, conductor C4, bus bar j, conductor 191, 207 to the positive lead wire 140.

When the coil 145 of high speed relay 143 is initially energized, current flows through the electric motor 45 from the lead wires 140,141, 142, through the respective switches 1, 2 and 3 of high speedrelay 143, through the wires 203, 205, 206 and the corresponding wires 201, 202 to complete the high voltage flow of current to the motor 45 to thereby cause the motor to impart rotation to the lower squeeze 35 at normal relatively high speed. Also, as the coil 145 of high speed relay 143 is energized, the switch 5 causes current to flow through the time device 212 of the time-delay-relay 152, since current then flows from the neutral or negative lead wire 141 through the wires 200, 215, switch 5, conductor 214, time control device 212, conductor 213 and through conductor 166 to the positive lead wire 140.

After a predetermined amount of time has expired, sufficient for the lower squeeze roll 35 to have accelerated to normal high speed, the switches S2, S3 move to closed position to thereby energize the coil of the sole- Current then flows from the neutral or negative lea-d wire 141, through the conductor 132b, through'the coil of solenoid valve 107]), through conductor 133b, switch 6 in the high speed relay 143, conductor 210, switch S2, wire 180, wiper element 156 of the rotary selector switch 147, bus bar 162 and con- 141, through the conductors ductors 165, 166 to the positive lead wire 140. Of course,'when the valve 107 b is opened in the manner last described, compressed air enters the ram assemblies 85 to thereby cause the rams S3 to exert pressure upon the arms 77 to thereby cause the covering 82 .on stripper roll 81 to bear under pressure against the periphery of the lowersqueeze roll 35.

It is apparent that, upon either of the push-button switches 185, 186 then being depressed, this will interrupt the flow of current to the coil 145 of the high speed relay 143 to open all of the switches 1 to 7, inclusive. When the slow speed push-button switch 185 is momentarily depressed, it is apparent that it will cause current to fiow through the coil146 of the slow speed relay 144.

Current then flows from the neutral or negative lead wire 200, 197, through coil 146 bus bar k, conductor C2, bus

positive lead and conductors 189, 187,

wire 140.

Of course, since the slow speed push-button switch 185 is only depressed momentarily, upon breaking the circuit between conductors C2, 187 in the push button switch box 153, current then fiows through the coil 146 of the slow speed relay 144 by means of the conductor 200 "which then causes current to flow from the neutral or 1 negative lead wire the primary of transformer 141, through conductors 200, 197, coil 146, conductor 189, bus .bar I of stop switch 186, conductor C3, bus bar h, conductor 190, switch g in the slow speed relay 144 and conductors 196, 166 to the positive lead wire 140.

Of course, since the switches e, f, g and n are then in closed position, it is apparent that current flows through the electric motor from the lead wires 140, 141 through T,.through the secondary of transformer T, from lead wire 142, through conductors 204, 204a, 2031), respective switches e, f, n in the slow speed relay 144 and through conductors 210, 202, 203a to the electric motor 45 so the relatively low voltage is present in the electric motor 45, with the result that the electric motor 45 rotates at a relatively slow speed or creep speed. It should be noted that, during creep speed of the electric motor 45 and the lower squeeze roll 35 the stripper roll 81 merely rests against the lower squeeze roll 35 and cannot be controlled manually while, on the element 17 0 of switch in the manner heretofore described,

1 bus bar h interrupts the flow of v time-delay-relay mechanism 7 roll 35, such as when the wiper With the rotary selectorswitch 147 in position 0, pressure is applied to both the upper squeeze roll 30 and the stripper roll or size regulating roll 81 automatically upon said lower squeeze roll 35 being accelerated to its normal high speed, regardless of whether the motor is started from a standstill or was rotating at the creep speed or relatively slow speed prior to the lower squeeze roll 35 being accelerated to said normal high speed. Since it has already been described how the slow speed push-button switch 185 functions to cause relatively slow rotation to be imparted to the lower squeeze roll 35 and the rolls contacting the same, a further description thereof will not be given. It might be stated however that, when the electric motor 45 is rotating at the relatively slow or creep speed and the high speed pushbutton switch 184 is depressed, it is apparent that the current to the coil 146 of the slow speed relay 144 so all of the switches e, f, g,

n are again opened.

With the rotary selector switch 147 in position 0, upon depressing the high speed push-button switch 184, current flows through the coil 145 143 in exactly the manner heretofore described. The current also flows through the timing device 212 of the 152 in the manner heretofore described. However, upon the switches S2, S3 moving to closed position, current flows through the the stripper-roll-controlling solenoid operated valve 10711 through the medium of the conductor 176 leading from the contact c to the conductor 180. Also, since the wiper element 156 is then in engagement with its corresponding conductor 0, current is caused to fiow through the coil of the solenoid operated valve the upper squeeze roll 30, as follows: Current flows from the neutral or negative lead wire 141, through the wire 132, through the coil of the solenoid operated valve 107, through conductor 133, switch 7 in the high speed relay 143, conductor 211, switch S3, conductor 182, conductor 181, wiper element 156, bus bar 162 and conductors 165 and 166 to the positive lead wire 140.

ROTARY SELECTOR SWITCH IN POSITION d When the rotary selector switch 147 is in position the stripper roll or size regulating roll 81 is controlled manually and the pressure on the upper squeeze roll 30 is controlled automatically so that pressure is applied can close the circuit then between the conductor 180 or conductor 176 and the positive lead wire 140.

It is thus seen that I have elements 154, 155, 156 of the rotary selector switch 147 are in position a; or the pressure applied to the upper squeeze roll 30 may be manually controlled while the pressure applied to the stripper roll 81 may be automatically effective as the lower squeeze roll 35 reaches a normal high speed rate of rotation, such as when the rotary selector switch 147, is in position b; or pressure may be automatically applied to both the upper squeeze roll 30 and the stripper roll 81 upon acceleration of the lower squeeze roll 35 to normal high speed from either a standstill or from a creep speed, such as when the rotary selector switch 147 occupies position or the pressure of the stripper roll '81 against C a the lower squeeze roll 35 may be controlled manually 107, for applying pressure to I F while the pressure of the upper squeeze roll 30 may be automatically applied upon acceleration of the lower forth a preferred embodiment squeeze roll 35 to said normal high speed when the rotary selector switch 147 occupies position d. It is also seen that the manually operated squeeze roll pressure selector switch 150 may be positioned, at such times that the pressure is not automatically applied to the upper squeeze roll 30, so that the upper squeeze roll 30 may be raised out of engagement with the lower squeeze roll 35 to facilitate threading the sheet of yarn Y between the squeeze rolls s0, 35.

It is apparent by referring to Figure 6 that, upon the stop switch 186 being depressed, this will break the circuit to both of the coils 145, 146 associated with the respective high speed and low speed relays 143, 144 and, upon alternately depressing the high speed and slow speed push-button switches 184, 185, the flow of current is also broken to the coils 146, of the respective low speed and high speed relays 144, 143.

The invention is illustrated in conjunction with a stripper roll such as shown at 82 in the drawings but it is to be understood that it is also applicable to other types of stripper or pressure or squeeze rolls such as, for example, the combination stripper and immersion roll disclosed in my co-pending application, Serial Number 342,199 to issue January 11, 1955, as Patent No. 2,698,985.

In the drawings and specification there has been set of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

roll being driven to rotate at two speeds, one of which is a relatively high speed and the other of which is a relatively slow speed; the combination of means for applying a predetermined pressure between said upper lower squeeze roll upon said lower relatively slow speed. 2. In a size box having a tank for containing size solufirst and second rolls out of engagement with said lower squeeze roll.

4. In a size box having a tank for containing size squeeze roll varying the speed of said driving means during rotation of solution, a lower squeeze roll and an immersionrollat least partially submerged-in said solution, an upper normally resting upon the lower squeeze roll, means for directing a sheet of yarn into the size box, beneath the immersion roll and, thence, between the upper and lower squeezerollsand means for driving the lower squeeze roll; the combination-of means for to selectively cause the lowersqueeze roll to-rotate at high and slow speeds, means operable automatically-for effecting predetermined downward pressure on the upper squeze roll the lower squeeze roll at said relatively high speed, and means operable automatically upon rotation of the lower squeeze rollatsaid relatively slow speed for decreasing the pressure of the upper squeeze roll against the lower squeeze roll.

5. A structure according to claim 4 including means to delay said means for effecting downward pressure in the interim during acceleration of the lower squeeze roll from said slow speed to said high speed.

6. A structure according to claim 4 including means to delay said means forefiecting downward pressure in the interim during acceleration. of the lower squeeze roll from a standstill to said high speed.

'7. In a size box having a tank for containing size solution, a lower squeeze roll and an immersion roll at least partially submerged in said solution, anjupper squeeze roll normally resting upon the lower squeeze roll, a stripper roll normally resting against the lower squeeze roll in advance of the upper squeeze roll, means for di-' recting a sheet of yarn into the size box, beneath the immersion roll, between the lower squeeze roll and the stripper roll and, thence, between the upper andlower squeeze rolls and means for driving the lower squeeze roll; the combination of manually controlled electrically operable means for varying the speed of said driving means to cause the lower squeeze roll to rotate at relatively high and'slow speeds, manually controlled selector means operable automatically for efiecting predetermined downward pressure on the upper squeeze roll and the stripper roll during rotation of the lower squeeze roll at said relatively high speed, means operable automatically upon rotation of the lower squeeze roll at said relatively slow speed for releasing the downward pressure from the upper squeeze roll and the stripper roll, and said selector means being operable to impart pressure to either of the rolls engaging the lower squeeze rollindependently of the other during rotation of the lower squeeze roll at said high speed.

8. A structure according to claim 7 including manually controlled electrically operable means for applyingsaid pressure to either of the rolls engaging said lower squeeze roll, and said selector means being operable to prevent automatic application of pressure to each roll engaging the lower squeeze roll whenever the latter manually controlled electrically operable means is effective for applying pressure to the corresponding roll engaging the lower squeeze roll.

9. In a size box having a tank for containing size solution, a lower squeeze roll and an immersion roll at least partially submerged in said solution, an upper squeeze roll normally resting upon the lower squeeze roll, a stripper roll normally engaging the lower squeeze roll in advance of the upper squeeze roll and means for directing a sheet of yarn into the size box, beneath the immersion roll, between the stripper roll and the lower squeeze roll and, thence, between the upper and lower squeeze rolls, the combination of means for driving said squeeze rolls at a given speed, means for maintaining the upper squeeze roll under predetermined pressure against the lower squeeze roll during said given speed, means for reducing the speed at which said lower squeeze roll is driven to a predetermined relatively slow speed, means operable automatically upon said lower squeeze roll being driven at said slow speed for releasing the 7 pressure of. said upper squeeze r'oll against the'lower termined pressure squeeze roll, means formaintaining' the stripper roll in engagement with squeeze roll normally resting upon the lower squeeze roll, a stripper roll normally resting, by gravity, against thelower squeeze roll in advance of the upper squeeze roll and means for directing a sheet of yarn into the size box, beneath the immersion roll, between the-stripper roll and'the lower squeeze roll and, thence, between the upper and lower squeeze rolls;-the combination of means for driving saidlower squeeze roll, manually selective means for causing said driving means to alternatively impart rotation to the lower squeeze roll at relatively high and relatively slow speeds, means operable automatically upon said lower-squeeze roll rotating at said relatively 'high speed for applying predetermined pressure on the upper squeeze roll and on said stripper roll against the lower squeeze'roll, and means operable automatically upon rotation of said lower squeeze roll at said relatively slow speed for releasing the pressure on said upper squeeze roll and the stripper roll so they againrest against'the lower squeeze roll by gravity. 11. A structure according to claim 10, wherein said size'box includes a frame, apair of brackets rotatably i supporting opposite ends of said stripper roll, means supporting the i plying pressure spaced abovdthe-axis-Of the stripper roll for pivotally respective brackets, said-means for apto the stripperroll comprising fluid-pressure-operated ram assemblies carried by said frame and including rams engageable with said brackets, means operable automatically upon said lower squeeze roll rotating at said relatively high speed for imparting movement to said rams against the corresponding brackets'for forcing the stripper roll against the lower squeeze roll under predetermined pressure, and means operable automatically upon'said lower squeeze roll rotating at said relatively slowspeed for releasing thepressure from the rams to thereby release the pressure of the stripper roll against said-lower squeeze roll.

12. In avsize box having a tank for containing a supply of sizing. solution, a lower squeeze roll at least partially'submerged in said solution, an upper squeeze roll disposed above the lower squeeze roll, a stripper roll disposed adjacent one side of said lower squeeze roll, and means for guidinga sheet ofryarn into the size box and successively between the nip of the stripper roll and the lowersqueeze roll and the nipof the upper and lower squeeze rolls; the combination of means for selectively driving said lower-squeeze roll at a relatively high speed and at a relatively slow speed, means operable automatically upon said-lower squeeze roll rotating at said relatively high speed for applying pressure to at least one of said rolls, other than the lower squeeze roll, against the lower squeeze roll, and means operable automatically upon said lower'squeeze roll rotating at said relatively slow speed for releasing the pressure of said one of the rolls against said lower squeeze roll.

13'. In a size box for applying size solution to a sheet of yarn and including upper and lower squeeze rolls for squeezing excess size solution from said yarn in its course through said size box; the combination of means for driving saidlower squeeze roll wherein the lower squeeze roll is-initially stationary and gradually accelerates to a predetermined speed, said upper squeeze roll normally resting against the lower squeeze roll during acceleration of said lower squeeze roll, and means operable-automati- 7 roll at said relatively cally upon said lower squeeze roll reaching said predetermined speed for applying downward pressure to the upper squeeze roll to press thesame against the lower squeeze roll.

14. A structure according to claim 13 wherein said size box also has a stripper roll normally resting against the lower squeeze roll at a pointin advance .of the point at which the upper squeeze roll engages the lower squeeze roll, and means operable squeeze roll reaching said predetermined speed for applying predetermined pressure to the stripper roll to force the same against said lower squeeze roll.

15. In a size box having a tank for containing a supply of sizing solution, a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in said solution, first and second rolls normally resting against the lower squeeze roll, and means for directing a sheet of yarn into the size box and successively between the first and second rolls and the lower squeeze roll; the combination of means for selectively driving said lower squeeze roll at a relatively high speed and at a relatively slow speed, means operable automatically upon said lower squeeze roll rotating at said relatively high speed for selectively applying pressure to at least one of said first and second rolls against the lower squeeze roll, and means operable automatically upon said lower squeeze roll rotating at said relatively slow speed for releasing the pressure of said one of the rolls against said lower squeeze roll.

16. In a size box having a tank for containing a supply of sizing solution, a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in said solution, first and second rolls normally resting, by gravity, against the lower squeeze roll, and means for directing a sheet of yarn into the size box and successively between the first and second rolls and the lower squeeze roll; the combination of means for selectively driving said lower squeeze roll at a relatively high speed and at a relatively slow speed, means operable automatically upon said lower squeeze roll rotating at said relatively high speed for selectively applying pressure to either of said first and second rolls against the lower squeeze roll, and means operable automatically upon said lower squeeze roll rotating at said relatively slow speed for releasing the pressure of the correspondingone of the first and second rolls against said lower squeeze roll.

.17. In a size box having a tank for containing size solution, a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in said solution, an upper squeeze rollandtat least one additional roll normally'resting against the lower squeeze roll, and means for directing a sheet of yarn into the size box, between the additional roll and the lower squeeze roll and, thence, between the upper and lower squeeze rolls; the combination of means for driving the lower squeeze roll at a given relatively high speed, means for reducing the speed at which the lower squeeze, roll is driven to a predetermined relatively slow speed, means for selectively maintaining the upper squeeze roll and the additional roll under predetermined pressure against the lower squeeze roll during rotation of the lower squeeze roll at said relatively high speed, andmeans operable automatically upon rotation of the lower squeeze slow speed for reducing the pressure of the upper squeeze roll and the additional roll against the lower squeeze roll. I

18. In a size box having a tank for containing size solution, a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in said solution, first and second rolls normally resting upon the lower squeeze roll, means for directing a sheet of yarn into the size box successively between the first roll and the lower squeeze roll and, thence, between the second roll and the lower squeeze roll; the combination of means for driving said squeeze roll at a given relatively'high speed, means for selectively maintaining the 9 first and second rolls under predetermined pressure automatically upon said lowerv means for reducing lower squeeze roll.

of said rolls other than the lower 19. In a size box having a tank for containing a supply of sizing solution, a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in said solution, an upper squeeze roll disposed above the lower squeeze roll, a stripper roll disposed adjacent one side of said squeeze roll and above the horizontal axis thereof, and means for guiding a sheet of yarn into the size box and successively between the nip of the stripper roll and the lower squeeze roll and the nip of the upperand lower squeeze rolls; the combination of means for selectively driving said lower squeeze roll at a relatively high speed and at a relatively slow pseed, manually selective, fluid pressure operated means operable automatically upon said lower squeeze roll rota-ting at said relatively high speed for applying pressure to at least one squeeze roll against the lower squeeze roll, and means operable automatically upon said lower squeeze roll rotating at said relatively slow speed for releasing the pressure of said one of the rolls against said lower squeeze ro 20. In a size box having a tank containing a size solution, a lower squeeze roll, an upper squeeze roll disposed above the lower squeeze roll, means for guiding asheet of yarn into the size box and successively into contact with the lower squeeze roll and between the nip of the lower squeeze roll and the upper squeeze roll, means for driving the lower squeeze roll at different speeds; the combination of means urging said upper squeeze roll into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll and means operable automatically for varying the pressure of said upper squeeze roll against the lower squeeze roll in accordance with variations in the speed of rotation ofthe lower squeeze roll.

211. In a size box having a tank containing a size solution, a driven lower squeeze roll, at least one additional roll engageable with the lower squeeze roll, means for guiding a sheet of yarn into the. size box and into contact with the lower squeeze 'roll and between the nip of the lower squeeze roll and the additional roll, and means for varying the speed of the lower squeeze roll; the combination of means urging said additional roll into pressure enroll and means operable automatically for varying the pressure of said additional roll against the lower squeeze roll in accordance with variations in the speed of rotation of the lower squeeze I roll.

22. In a size box having a tank containing a size solution, a driven lower squeeze roll, an upper squeeze roll disposed above the lower squeeze roll, an additional roll disposed adjacent'the lower squeeze roll, means for guiding a sheet of yarn into the size :box and into contact with the additional roll, the lower squeeze roll and the upper squeeze roll, and means for varying the speed of the lower squeeze roll; the combination of means urging said upper squeeze roll into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll, means urging said additional roll into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll, and means operable automatically for varying the pressure on at least one of said rolls in accordance with variations in the speed of rotation of the lower squeeze roll.

References Cited in thc file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

